ladder bars

What's a common or rough length for rear ladder bars for a 30 A pick up. I'm still in the planning stage and was thinking transverse spring, panhard bar and ladder bars for rear suspension. It'll be a cookie cutter sbc, muncie 4 spd. 9 inch. These are the pieces I have and it's going to be a budget build. I'm thinking of extending the wheel base 3-4 inches to avoid cutting into the fireall and keep some room in the foot well.

Thanks in advance

 

Length depends on wheelbase and frame design. Mounted say 8-12 inches apart and within a foot or so of the front u-joint would be good, the longer the better. Spread the buggy spring an inch or so to insert the shackels and you will be fine without a panhard bar. Some like a panhard bar to keep the wisy-washy feel at bay when cornering, did i just say wishy-washy

On a side note a torque arm may be a good addition with spirited driving or depending on how far apart the tubes are at the rear end mount.

Do LOTS of measuring, i think keeping the front axle as close to stock location looks best..jmo

 

I'm going to be using a stock A frame boxed with the stock front cross memeber location with a 4" dropped axle, possibly reverse the eyes on the spring. I'm not going for stupid low, this will be a fair weather everyday driver. I really like the way Grit's coupe sits, so I'd like to copy his ride height using the A frame as it is in excellnt condition and it's what I got. I think I understand the physics and geometry of what I'm wanting to do, wasn't sure about he panhard, I've seen builds with and without, figured better safe than sorry.

I think my best bet now is to start a mock up and see how everything comes together. I'll have to do some research on torque arms. I'm familiar with their use on mid to late 80's Camaros.

 

Grits and B***'s cars are two prime examples of how to do it right. There several threads with pics and info on the torque arm, they DO help.